The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) began accepting applications for the hunts July 1.

Hunters may pick from only one of two hunting seasons, Oct. 15-16 (code 668 on the application) or Oct. 31-Nov. 1 (code 669).

A total of 5,000 permits (2,500 per two-day hunt) are available.

Hunters may choose from four application options this year.

They may apply:
• in person at any of the DNR’s 1,800 Electronic Licensing System agents;
• by telephone at 1-888-665-4236;
• via the DNR’s Internet licensing link at www4.wildlifelicense.com/mn/;
• at the DNR License Center, 500 Lafayette Road, St. Paul.

The fee is $8 per applicant. Those who apply by phone or Internet will be charged an additional convenience fee of $3.50 per transaction.

To apply, resident and non-resident hunters will need one of the following: a valid state driver’s license or state-issued identification card with current address; a firearms safety certificate number; or a Minnesota DNR number found on a recent Minnesota fishing and hunting license.

If nonresidents use their Minnesota DNR number to apply, they must use the number from the last time they applied in order to retain preference already accrued.

Residents must be at least 10 years old, and nonresidents at least 12 years old prior to the hunt for which they are applying.

In addition, any applicant born on or after Jan. 1, 1980, must have a firearms safety certificate, a previous hunting license, or other evidence of successfully completing a hunter safety course.

Hunters may apply as individuals or as a group of up to four individuals.

Group members may only apply for the same two-day season.

The first group applicant must specify “Create New Group” when asked, and will receive a group number to give to others who will “Join the Existing Group.”

The archery hunt at Camp Ripley is an annual event.

The DNR coordinates the hunt with the Department of Military Affairs, which manages the 53,000-acre military reservation.

Young anglers battle during Rails to Trails

Despite extremely low water levels on the Crow River, the young anglers who participated in the Watertown Rails To Trails Fishing and Casting Contest, July 18, brought dozens of channel catfish, carp, suckers, crappies, and bluegills to the measuring table.

In all, 109 children competed in the event.

Angler Cory Ogara caught the two largest fish, a pair of carp measuring 26 3/4 and 23 3/4 inches, while Katie and William McBee, a sister-and-brother team, found a spot that produced numerous channel catfish.

Katie entered the three largest cats, measuring 17, 11 3/4, and 11 1/2 inches, as well as the top two crappies in the 11 to 15 age bracket.

William captured the top two spots for catfish in the 6 to 10 age group, with his largest fish measuring 15 3/4 inches.

All three young anglers won a rod-and reel combo and other prizes.

Nick Oak, Jaden Ortiz, Lily Magnuson, and Carson Ficker rounded out the winners among the 6- to 10-year-olds, while Jordan Schramel and Kimberly Moy were among the winners in the 11 to 15 category.

With support and donations from local businesses and organizations, such as Bremer Bank, BP of Watertown, Denny’s Barber Shop, Geneo’s Pizza, Marathon, Marketplace Foods, The Movie Scene, Watertown Pharmacy, Watertown Rod & Gun Club, Inspection Solutions of Edina, and Cabin Fever Sporting Goods of Victoria, a large door-prize drawing took place after the contest.

Melissa Moy won the grand prize, a fully-stocked Plano tackle box, while many other lucky young anglers took home a variety of fishing tackle, 12-packs of soft drinks, as well as pizza and movie rental gift certificates.

28th annual game fairPress Release

The 28th annual Game Fair is certain to be loads of fun for the entire family with plenty of events, activities, and attractions.

With over a million-and-a-half visitors throughout its 28 years, Game Fair is the nation’s largest outdoors, pre-hunting family participation event.

The beautiful acres of woods and water that make up the Game Fair grounds are ready for the hundreds of exhibitors, seminars, and family events to see and experience.

With many new exhibits, dog events, and shooting games, visitors will have an opportunity to see, try, and buy the latest in hunting equipment and learn from outdoors experts.

Hunting season is coming up soon and Game Fair is the place to be for the latest gear and the greatest information.

Participation and informality are the name of game as you share knowledge and learn new skills.

Game Fair is located six miles northwest of Anoka at the Armstrong Ranch Kennels.

Complete details on the 28th annual Game Fair can be found at www.gamefair.com or by calling (763) 427-0944.

As always, Game Fair takes place August 7, 8, 9 and August 14, 15, 16 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., rain or shine.

Eurasian watermilfoil discovered in Washburn Lake From the DNR

Eurasian watermilfoil has been discovered growing in Washburn Lake, three miles northwest of Outing, MN, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

Eurasian watermilfoil has now been discovered in at least 218 lakes and eight rivers or streams in Minnesota.

Washburn Lake is the second body of water in Cass County found to have this invasive aquatic plant.

The nonnative, invasive aquatic plant was discovered near the public water access by area DNR staff and was later verified by a staff aquatic plant biologist.

The DNR will be conducting further surveys to determine the extent of distribution of the Eurasian watermilfoil in Washburn Lake.

Also, the agency will work with local groups and citizens to manage the invasive plant.

Eurasian watermilfoil can form dense mats of vegetation and crowd out native aquatic plants, clog boat propellers, and make water recreation difficult.

In Minnesota, this invasive plant has caused problems by producing extensive mats especially where water depths are less than 15 feet, water clarity is high, and the fertility of the bottom ranges from moderate to high.

Eurasian watermilfoil growth can be controlled but the plant usually cannot be eradicated.

To help stop aquatic hitchhikers such as Eurasian watermilfoil, the DNR urges boaters to be extra thorough in examining their boats before they leave a water access.

They should inspect and remove aquatic plants from their boats, trailers, nets, anchors and other equipment and dumpbait buckets and live wells.

Minnesota law prohibits boaters from transporting water from infested waters, aquatic plants from infested waters, and other prohibited invasives.

Boaters may not launch watercraft with invasive species attached.

For more information on Eurasian watermilfoil and other aquatic invasive species, see www.dnr.state.mn.us/invasives.

For more information on ways to help stop aquatic hitchhikers go to www.mndnr.gov.

DNR designates infested waters in Alexandria areaFrom the DNR

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has designated several lakes in the Alexandria chain of lakes as infested waters.

The designations became effective this week when published in the State Register.

Lake Le Homme Dieu, where zebra mussels were discovered in late June, was added to the list of infested waters.

In addition, the agency has designated as infested several waters in the Alexandria chain of lakes that are connected to Lake Le Homme Dieu, including Alvin, Carlos, Darling, Geneva, Jessie and Victoria.

Although zebra mussels have not been found yet in those waters, DNR staff believes that they are likely to become infested.

Zebra mussel veligers (larvae) can drift along between lakes and boats travelling through the chain of lakes can spread adult mussels that can catch a ride and veligers by moving water on board in live wells, bait buckets and bilges.

The full list of infested waters is available on the DNR Web site at www.dnr.state.mn.us/eco/invasives/index.html.

State regulations apply once the DNR designates infested waters.

For example, transporting water from infested waters is prohibited.

In areas with zebra mussels, boaters are required to drain water and remove the drain plug before traveling on public roads.

Bait harvest is prohibited at infested waters.

It is illegal to transport aquatic plants and zebra mussels on public roads throughout the state.

Boaters and anglers can do their part to help stop the spread of several aquatic hitchhikers such as zebra mussels, by taking a few simple steps:

• Clean all aquatic plants, zebra mussels, and mud from boats and trailers, and equipment before leaving the water access.
• Drain water from bilges, live wells, and bait containers before leaving the water access.
* Dry boats and equipment for five days - or - spray with high pressure and hot water before transporting to another water.